There are few better feelings than defeating divisional rivals. On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a chance to hand the Cincinnati Bengals their first loss of the season. To do so, Mike McCarthy will need DK Metcalf to shake off the stench of two consecutive poor performances.
Believe it or not, Cincinnati’s defense is the perfect group for Pittsburgh’s primary receiver to have a bounce-back performance.
Transitioning to Pittsburgh hasn’t been the easiest process for the former second-round pick. Sure, Omar Khan signed Metcalf to a generous four-year, $132 million deal last March. But the franchise has yet to yield a promising return on investment.
Instead, they’ve struggled like in previous seasons. Yes, Metcalf contributed last season, but it’s hard to say the seasoned veteran met expectations. In 2025, Metcalf finished the season ranked 28th in receiving yards (850) and tied 26th in touchdown receptions (six).
It wasn’t the result Pittsburgh’s front office expected after making Metcalf a top-five highest-paid WR. And they still have yet to receive the production they’ve paid for.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR DK Metcalf must take advantage of a weaker Bengals secondary in Week 3
Anticipation for Metcalf’s second stint grew throughout the off-season. Fans forgave him for actions that led to an unnecessary suspension at the end of the 2025 season. Still, the altercation put Pittsburgh’s AFC North title in jeopardy. We expected the veteran to use the slip-up as motivation to surpass previous production. But we haven’t seen anything resembling a breakout season.
This season, Metcalf leads the NFL in dropped passes (3). He’s been targeted 18 times but has only hauled in eight receptions for 67 yards. That has earned him a 52.0 grade via Pro Football Focus.
Well, hopefully he can take advantage of a weaker secondary to jump-start the season. After two games, Cincinnati’s defense has allowed 284.5 passing yards per game to opposing gunslingers. They also rank 27th in first downs allowed via pass and have zero interceptions this season.
It’s a great chance for Pittsburgh’s wideout to change his projection for the campaign. And the offense could really use the help.
Disappointing offensive performances have been the story of Pittsburgh's season thus far. According to NFL.com, the Steelers offense ranks 29th in rushing (74.5 YPG) and 22nd in pass production (204 YPG). It’s inexcusable, considering the front office selected McCarthy for the head coaching job based on his offensive prowess.
An impressive air barrage against an undefeated divisional opponent can jumpstart a successful season. Especially when led by a dependable wideout. DK Metcalf has yet to have a breakout performance in a black and yellow uniform. But luckily, Week 3 provides the perfect opportunity. I expect him to answer the call and help McCarthy’s offense find stability after weeks of hardship.
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